53;30 – Harris (2006): We are not being intellectually honest. We do not respect stupidity in this country but we systematically respect religious stupidity in this country. Because religions have been sheltered from criticism, moderates tend not to believe how dangerous our situation has become. ~ Harris fully recognizes the lunatic fringe for what they are; this rapture group (and supported by seemingly opposite camps) who both welcome and at risk is the destruction of the earth, human annihilation and the second coming of Jesus or Mohammed or whomever. .. |http://thesciencenetwork.org/programs/beyond-belief-science-religio... //

Michael .. if only all current religions and cults would fall under the shroud of mythology and philosophies; mythologies transitioned out of favor during the life of Sulla (138-78 B.C.E.) Thereafter one would have to be familiar with the feminine deities which were thrashed during the crusades. And, we can look to the Golden Age of the Middle East to find the last peak of Aristotle's influence but by the 12th century,it all came to an abrupt halt .. | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7XoS90vTRc // and this research has been confirmed or echoed by others.

I am an Agnostic/Humanist and immensely enjoy conversations with Atheists, but do avoid at great length Trusting Theists who routinely will go to great lengths to defend their beliefs, attack non-believers and/or attempt to save their alleged soul. I don't have any interest in changing their point of view but from an historical perspective, I do see them as a threat; history repeating itself. I'm also a fan of Thomas Paine (1737-1809), Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899), Richard Dawkins (1941-), Sam Harris (1967-) because they both share my concerns and speak extensively.

sec·u·lar

[ sékyələr ]

not concerned with religion: not controlled by a religious body or concerned with religious or spiritual matters

My point was meant to question the biblical knowledge of the Evangelicals killing people at legal abortion clinics. They are so sure about their religious stand and in reality are uninformed as are all Fox fans.

Lamonte, I confess to being largely ignorant of Numbers, but I'm not all that surprised by the reading. The bible was written by men, often by those with an interest to promote. Those verses are clearly about making sure husbands could trust their wive's children to be their own. The god of the old testament was not at all squeamish about ending human life; the sin of murder was narrowly defined.

If you read Leviticus, it's clear that its intent is to establish the role of the priesthood as indispensable; the prescribed rituals are far too complex and arbitrary for ordinary folks to follow.